Submit Your Feedback on the NOP’s
Proposed Livestock Rule!
USDA has drafted new regulations that would change the livestock management provisions of the National Organic Program (NOP). These changes have been proposed to clarify pasture requirements for ruminants and meet concerns about other inadequacies in the current regulations. Origin of livestock, finishing for slaughter, feeds, shelter, and water are also addressed in the new regulations. Dairy, beef, sheep and goat producers will be affected.
The NOP will be accepting comments on the rule until December 23, 2008. OFRF is formulating comments that will be circulated through our listserv and website. We strongly encourage producers to provide comments, questions and feedback about the rule to the NOP. Below you’ll find background information and resources about the rule. There are three ways to submit comments:
1) Attend a listening session. The NOP is hosting three listening sessions to gather input on the rule. These listening sessions are open to the public to attend and deliver oral comments:
December 2, 2008, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Organic Valley Family of Farms Headquarters, One Organic Way; LaFarge, WI 54639
December 4, 2008, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; California State University, Chico University Farm Pavilion, 311 Nicholas C. Schouten Lane; Chico, CA 95928
December 8, 2008, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Extension Research Facility, 6500 Amarillo Boulevard West; Amarillo, TX
***If you cannot attend one of these sessions but have questions you would like to be placed in the record, please email them to Tracy Lerman, Policy Organizer at tracy@ofrf.org.***
2) Mail written comments to the NOP. Written comments must be received (not postmarked) by Dec. 23, 2008. They must be identified with, “Docket Number AMS–TM–06–0198; TM–05–14”. Mail written comments to:
Richard H. Mathews
Chief, Standards Development and Review Branch,
National Organic Program, Transportation and Marketing Programs
USDA–AMS–TMP–NOP
1400 Independence Ave., SW.
Room 4008– So., Ag Stop 0268
Washington, DC 20250.
3) Submit comments online. Visit the Regulations web portal: www.regulations.gov.
Use the search terms “organic pasture.” Comments must be submitted online by Dec. 23, 2008.
Additional Resources
Read the full text of the proposed rule.
Our friends at the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance have a webpage with a variety of resources and information.
Read a comparison of the current rule and the proposed rule.
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As always, if you have any questions or feedback, contact Tracy Lerman, Policy Organizer: tracy@ofrf.org or (831) 426-6606 x 108. Thanks again for your advocacy and have a happy Thanksgiving!
Join OFRF's Organic Farmers Action Network today!
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